The fourth Arab Cultural Festival took place in Hamburg from 22 to 25 May 2008. It had two main themes: modern interpretations of Arab classics, presented in two readings and three concerts; and a focus on Yemen, building on the Hamburg Museum of Ethnology's exhibition of historical photography of the Orient. The festival concluded with an extensive participatory programme for adults and children interested in the Arab world.
Dr Ludwig Schleßmann, who lived in Yemen from 2002 to 2006, gave a lecture entitled “Arabia Felix: Yemen Between Tradition and Modernity”. He explored the riches of the legendary South Arabian kingdoms, now part of history, and discussed the country's present economic and social conditions. His argument was that this diverse country would face enormous challenges in the years ahead.
The lecture was followed by Anette von Wangenheim's film “Explosion of Silence: The World of Women in Yemen”. The filmmaker succeeded admirably in offering insights into the working and private lives of several Yemeni women.
Another highlight was an evening of Arabic poetry and piano music. Dr Mohammed Khalifa read selected poems from different Arab countries in Arabic. Pianist Laura Feldmann accompanied the texts with piano music from various European countries and Russia, while Markus Vollmer recited the German translations.
